Story perspectives

IOC's 2028 Policy Limits Women's Events to Born Females

4/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

The International Olympic Committee announced a 2028 policy that only athletes born female may compete in women's events.
The policy requires a one-time genetic screening for the SRY gene, indicating male sex development.
Critics say the rule will exclude many cisgender and intersex athletes, echoing past harmful sex-testing and alignment with support from the White House.
Caster Semenya expressed disappointment, calling the policy discriminatory.

History

Historical Context

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) first mandated sex testing for female athletes in 1966, leading to the disqualification of athletes like Ewa Klobukowska. This controversial practice aimed to ensure fair competition but often resulted in discrimination against intersex individuals. The IOC's 2026 policy requiring genetic screening for the SRY gene echoes these historical injustices, raising concerns about the ongoing exclusion of marginalized athletes in sports.

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Story summary

The International Olympic Committee announced a 2028 policy that only athletes born female may compete in women's events.
The policy requires a one-time genetic screening for the SRY gene, indicating male sex development.
Critics say the rule will exclude many cisgender and intersex athletes, echoing past harmful sex-testing and alignment with support from the White House.
Caster Semenya expressed disappointment, calling the policy discriminatory.

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